Control system for textile apparatus



y Dec. s, 1960 L. H. SAFLEY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR TEXTILE APPARATUS Filed March 3, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 gill Illllm m INVENTOR. LOU/8 H SAF/.Ey

/A rr'o/a/VEYS Dec. 6, 1960 L. H. SAFLEY CONTROL SYSTEM Foa TEXTILE APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 5, 1958 INVENTOR. LOU/S H SAR/ EY ATTORNEYS are injected into the ra stippled or dotted UnitedStates Patent@ n 2,962,771 CONTROL SYSTEM FOR TEXTILE APPARATUS Louis H. Safley, Decatur, Ala., assignor to The Chemstrand Corporation, Decatur, Ala., a Vcorporation of Delaware Filed Mar. 3, 1958, Ser. No. 718,681

14 Claims. (Cl. 19-14'3.3)

This invention relates to a system for controlling the operation of textile apparatus and more particularly to a control system for sequentially timing the operation of a textile spinning frame such as a frame provided with la Himalaya slubbing mechanism or attachment which is employed for injecting successive portions of enlarged diameter commonly known as slubs or flakes into yarn as it is processed by the spinning frame. A slubbing attachment with which this invention is particularly adaptable may be of the type manufactured by the Whitin Machine Works of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, and disclosed-in Patent No. 2,069,446, issued February 2, 1937. ln the spinning of yarn, it is often desirable to produce what is known as novelty yarn containing thickened portions or slubs of a predetermined diameter successively spaced along the length of the yarn. These slubs give a thick and thin yarn which is useful in producing a fabric having a novel or fancy finish as a result of the prominent nature of the slubsin the fabric surface. In one type of such novelty yarn, the slubs yarn in a random manner so that effect of an unpredictable nature is obtained in the fabric woven from the yarn. Although randomly occurring slubs produce a commercially attractive novelty fabric, it is often desirable that the yarn, and consequently the fabric, be provided with slubs which occur in a predetermined arrangement or pattern and thus give a fabric Woven from such yarn a surface effect which can be artistically designed and which may be produced uniformly throughout an indefinite length of such fabric.

In a slubbing mechanism of the type disclosed in the above-mentioned patent, the slubs are injected into the yarn by controlling the draft of the roving processed in the spinning frame. In the ,preferred method of operation, the speed of the back roll is momentarily increased to decrease the draft and produce a thickened portion or slub in the yarn. Many systems have been proposed for timing or controlling such back roll speed changes to produce slubbed yarn, all of which are generally limited in some respect. For instance, many control systems are extremely complicated, require considerable skill to operate, are expensive to manufacture, and are readily subject to breakdown. Furthermore, many of these systems permit only a limited selection of slub pattern due to their limited range of operation, and in many cases, considerable modification or adjustment must be made in the control system for each slub pattern desired.

Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide a new and novel control system for textile apparatus.

2,962,771 Patented Dec. 6,1960

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A further object of this invention is to provide a new and novel control system for automatically producing a sequence of control signals of a predetermined duration, the intervals between each of which may be quickly and easily selected throughout a wide range.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a control system for automatically timing the slubbing operation in yarn spinning apparatus and which permits .slubs to be injected into yarn processed by the apparatus in a predetermined pattern.

This invention further contemplates the provision of a new and novel control system for a Himalaya slubbing attachment in which the draft of the yarn processed in the spinning apparatus is controlled automatically in accordance with one of an indefinite number of patterns so as to produce repeatedly a sequence of slubs throughout the yarn of a predetermined length and spacing'.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and novel control system for producing control signals in a predetermined repetitive pattern which is simple and inexpensive in construction, readily adaptable to any type of apparatus to be controlled, which may be readily adjusted by a relatively unskilled operator to give any of an unlimited variety of patterns, and which is capable of prolonged use without danger of breakdown.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing.

In general, the objects of the invention and other related objects are accomplished by providing one or more timing devices, each of which contains timing means for producing a predetermined time cycle. The timing devices are arranged for sequential operation and means are provided for connecting all of these timing devices to electromagnetic means which in turn may be employed to control an operation. Means are also provided for connecting all of these timing devices to a suitable source of power so that the first timing device in the sequence is energized to initiate the sequential operation of the control system. Switch means are provided in each of the timing devices so that as each timing device is actuated, its timing means is activated to begin its predetermined time cycle, at the end of which the next successive timing device is energized accompanied by a simultaneous energization of the electromagnetic means. Relay means also have been provided for automatically repeating the entire sequence in the system which is energized at the end of the time cycle of the last timing device in the sequence. In one embodiment, the control system is ernployed to control the yarn drafting operation on a textile spinning frame utilizing a Himalaya slubbing attachment through the electromagnetic means so that the duration and spacing of the signals from the control device to the electromagnetic means may be predetermined by the adjustment of each of the timing devices and slubs of a predetermined length and spacing are formed in the yarn as it is processed in the spinning frame.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a partial View of a spinning frame having a Himalaya slubbing attachment with which the invention is preferably incorporated;

Figure 2 is a partial, enlarged top view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial schematic wiring diagram of a control system constructed in accordance with the invention and employed with the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the circuit of Figure 3 showing an operating position of the components;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing another operating position of the components; and

Figure 6 is a front view of a timing device employed in accordance with the invention.

As generally illustrative of one type of textile apparatus with which a control system constructed in accordance with the invention is preferably incorporated, there is partially shown in Figures l, 2, a textile spinning frame having operatively arranged therewith what is commonly referred to in the textile industry as a Himalaya slubbing attachment. This slu-bbing attachment or mechanism, partially shown and described herein, is similar to that disclosed in Patent No. 2,069,- 446, issued to the Whitin Machine Works of Whitinsville, Massachusetts. As is well known in the industry, such a slubbing attachment is employed to produce yarn having thick and thin portions throughout its length in which the thick portions are formed as the roving processed `by the machine is drafted. These thick portions are generally identified as slubs and their presence in yarn places it in the category of novelty yarn from which fabric having a novel surface effect may be produced. It should be understood, however, that although the control system of the invention is particularly adapted for incorporation with such a slubbing mechanism, it may be suitably used in any type of apparatus which performs an operation requiring periodic or sequential control, including many types of textile apparatus such as a spinning frame, automatic loom, automatic knitting machine, or the like. However, the novel construction of the invention lends itself particularly to incorporation with a slubbing mechanism and it is in this application that the invention will be described hereinafter.

Referring now to Figures l, 2, the slub-bing mechanism illustrated therein is provided with a front roll shaft 11 and back roll shaft 12 each of which contains a series of portions of enlarged diameter or rolls 13, 14, respectively. The rolls 13, 14, are preferably splined as shown and are associated with cooperating rolls 16, 17, respectively, only one of each being shown for the purpose of clarity. The rolls 16, 17 are suitably mounted for rotation with the rolls 11, 12 and may be formed of or covered with any wear-resistant, resilient material so as to draft roving 18 unwound from a suitably supported `bobbin 19 and conveyed through the apparatus of Figure l.

As is well known, the front roll 11 is suitably driven by means such as a gear 21 and the back roll shaft 12 is rotated at a relatively slower speed than the front roll shaft 11 so as to draft the roving 18 in accordance with a predetermined draft ratio. The drafted roving is subsequently twisted in the conventional manner and wound in the form of yarn 22 on a suitable bobbin or holder 23.

In order to rotate shaft 12 at a slower speed relative to shaft 11 and obtain the draft ratio desired, any suitable driving mechanism may be provided, and in the embodiment shown, shaft 11 is provided with spur gear 24 drivably meshed with a spur gear 26 having a clutch disc 27 suitably secured thereto. The back roll shaft 12 passes freely through the gear 26 and clutch disc 27 and a driving connection is obtained between the clutch disc 27 and the shaft 12 by means of a cooperating clutch disc 28 slidably mounted on shaft 12 and suitably keyed thereto for rotation therewith.

The clutch disc 28 contains a necked-do-wn portion 29 for accommodating one end of a yoke lever 31 mounted for pivotal movement by means of a rod 32. Movement of yoke lever 31 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1, engages the clutch discs 27, 28 to "rotate the back roll shaft 12 at a speed determined by the ratio of gears 24, 26 so that a speed differential is obtained between shafts 11, 12, and roving 18 is drafted to a predetermined degree. 'Fhe yoke lever 31 is preferably urged into the driving position of Figure 1 by means such as a spring 33.

As is well known, in slubbing mechanisms of the type illustrated, slubs are injected into the roving during spinning by momentarily speeding up the back roll shaft and, therefore, decreasing the draft of the roving. The roving, therefore, increases in diameter during this mo mentary increase in back roll s-haft speed and a slub is formed. Various mechanical means have been proposed for increasing this back roll shaft speed momentarily, and in the apparatus of Figure 1, a second spur gear 34 is provided on the front roll shaft 11 which meshes with a spur gear 36 having secured thereto a clutch disc 37. In the position shown, gear 36 an dclutch disc 37 rotate relative to the back roll shaft 12, and the clutch disc 37 is arranged to be engaged by va cooperating clutch disc 38 rotatably keyed to shaft 12 in a manner similar to clutch disc 28, The clutch disc 38 also contains a necked-down portion 39 for engagement with one end of a second yoke lever 41 pivotally mounted by means of a rod 42 in a manner similar to yoke lever 31.

In order to prevent simultaneous driving engagement by both clutch discs 28, 38, a lug 43 is provided on the lever 31 which engages a screw 44 on the yoke lever 41. As a result of the urging of spring 33, the yoke lever 31 is normally maintained in the position of Figure 1, and the contacting of screw 44 by lug 43 moves lever 41 pivotally, disengaging clutch disc 38. Therefore, when the parts are in the position of Figure l, the back roll shaft 12 continuously rotates at the drafting speed determined by the draft ratio selected to give what is termed the thin or unslubbed portion of the yarn.

In order to rotate rod 42 and move clutch disc 38 into driving engagement with clutch disc 37, a crank arm 46 is secured to rod 42 as shown best in Figure 2. The crank arm 46 is suitably connected at its other end to the lower end of a vertically extending bar or rod 47 mounted for reciprocating movement and arranged to be moved reciprocally by electromagnetic means 48. In the specific embodiment, the electromagnetic means 48 comprises a solenoid having a movable armature (not shown) to which the upper end of the rod 47 is connected. Thus, when the solenoid 48 is energized, the bar 47 is preferably moved upward by means of the solenoid armature so as to rotate rod 42 through the crank arm 46 and move clutch disc 38 into driving engagement wit hclutch disc 37.

As discussed previously, it is highly desirable to produce slubbed or novelty yarn of a predetermined pattern with apparatus such as that of Figure 1. As generally illustrative of the invention, means have been provided for momentarily moving clutch 38 into driving engagement with the clutch disc 37 to increase the speed of the back roll shaft 12 and decrease the draft of the roving 18 momentarily so that the diameter of the roving 18 is increased throughout" a predetermined length. Furthermore, means have been provided whereby the spacing between successive slubs formed in the roving may be quickly and easily preselected from any one of an unlimited variety of patterns.

As specifically illustrative of the invention, a control system for the apparatus of Figure 1 has been provided as shown best in Figure 3, and includes a plurality of timing devices 51 all of which are substantially identical in construction and a number of which are shown within the dotted lines indicated. Although one or more of these devices 51 may be employed, thirty are shown in the specific embodiment illustrated which are preferably positioned in any suitable manner on the wall 52 of a cabinet A53 or the like (Figure 1), so as to be conveniently accessible to -an operator. l

- The timing devices 511 may be any commercially available timing device which may be preset to a predetermined time cycle such as the Cycl-Flex Reset Timer manufactured by the Eagle Signal Corporation, a front view of which is shown in Figure 6. Preferably, the timing device 51 is also of the type which may be automatically reset at the completion of each time cycle when de-energized so that it is automaticallyv conditioned for repetitive timing operations of identical duration.

As shown best in Figure 3, vthervtiming devices 51are arranged for sequential operation and six of such devices are shown, all of which are arranged to be connected by powerconductors 54, 56 Kto a suitable source of power (not shown). An operating switch 57 has been provided in each of the conductors 54, 56 for controlling the connection of the conductors to the source of power.

Referring now to Figure 3, the irst timing device in the sequence is shown schematically within the dotted lines and is designated generally by the numeral 51a. The timing device 51a is identical in construction to the remaining timing devices as explained above and includes a coil 58a and timing means such as a clock timer only the motor 59a of which is illustrated. Switch means are also provided within the timing device 51a which include a double pole, double throw switch 61a and a normally open switch 62a which is moved into the closed position by means of the coil 58a when the coil is energized. The switch 61a is located in the position of Figure 3 when the timing device 51a has been manually set to a predetermined time cycle by means of its operating knob 63 (Figure 6).

Referring now to Figure 6, each timing device 51 includes an indicator 64 which is movable by the operating knob 63 to the desired position relative to a dial 66 having suitable indicia thereon so as to condition or set the timing device for a specified time interval or cycle. A secondary indicator 67 is also positioned on the timing device 51 which indicates the passing or elapsing of the time cycle during operation of the timer molor 59. Although any desired time range may be provided on the device 51, in the speciiic timing device illustrated a range of -60 seconds is provided which has been found to provide a sutliciently wide selection of time cycle settings.

Referring now again to Figure 3, the timing device 51a is connected at one side to power conductor 54 by means of lead wire 68 and to the remaining devices by means of the common lead wires 69, 70. Furthermore, each timing device is connected to its adjacent timing device by means of a lead wire 71.

Means have been provided for actuating the solenoid 48 momentarily at the completion of the predetermined time cycle in each of the timing devices 51 and for simultaneously energizing the next successive timing device so as to initiate its predetermined time cycle. As has been previously explained, when the control system of Figure 3 is employed with the slubbing mechanism of Figure l, the solenoid 48, when momentarily energized, injects a slub into the roving 18 as it is being drafted and the spacing between successive slubs are therefore determined by the time cycle of each of the timing devices 51.

As shown in Figure 3, all of the timing devices indicated therein have been manually conditioned for operation in a sequence with the exception of device 51e which has been inactivated in a manner to be explained hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that any desired number of timing devices 51 out of the total number shown in Figure l, may be arranged for sequential operation in accordance with the particular pattern selected.

-Vconnectedby means of lead wire 77 to the power conductor 56; The advance relay 76 contains` auset of normally closed contacts 78. The contacts 78 arerarranged as shown in Figure 3 in circuit-making relationship with a time delay relay 79 which is preferably adjustable .to provide a predetermined time delay setting. Thus the time delay relay 79lis arranged to be connected through the normally closed contacts 78 and lead wires 81, 82 to the power conductors 54, 56, respectively.

As can be understood, in the particular circuit arrange,- ment shown, when the advance relay 76 is de-energized, the contacts 78 are closed energizing the time delay relay 79. This time delay relay 79 contains a set of normally open contacts 83 which are arranged to connect the solenoid 48 to the power conductor 54 through the lead wire 84 when in the closed position and to energize the solenoid 48, the other side of which is connected by means of lead wire 86 to the conductor 56.

In order to provide for continuous repetition of the complete sequence of timing operations carried out by the plurality of timing devices 51, means are provided for de-energizing all of the timing devices simultaneously and thus permit the timing devices to reset automatically to the preset time cycle originally selected for each device. More specifically, a recycle relay 87 which is preferably of the time delay type is positioned within the circuit of Figure 3 which is energized in a manner to be explained hereinafter when the last timing device 51 in the sequence has completed its time cycle or what may be termed timed out. The recycle relay 87 is connected at one side to the lead wire 71d on the last or final timing device 51d in the series of timing devices 51 shown in Figure l. The other side of relay 87 is connected by means of lead wire 88 to power conductor 56. The recycle relay 87 contains a set of normally closed contacts 89 in power conductor 54 so that when relay 87 is energized, power to all of the timing devices 51 is interrupted for a period of time determined by the time setting on the advance relay to permit the timing devices to automatically reset. lt should be understood that the relay 87 may be any suitable type of time delay relay commercially available.

As has been discussed brieiiy above, the production of novelty yarn of a predetermined pat-tern requires that slubs be injected into the yarn and spaced selectively throughout its length in accordance with the pattern desired. Furthermore, it is often desirable that not only the slub spacing be accurately predetermined, but that the length of the slubs formed be accurately predetermined. In the specitic circuit arrangement shown, therefore, each of the timing devices 51 are arranged to inject a slub into the roving being processed in the apparatus of Figure l after the completion of its predetermined time cycle.

As has also been previously discussed, the number of timing devices 51 selected are arranged to introduce a complete sequence of spaced slubs throughout a predetermined length of yarn and by means of another novel feature of the invention, this sequence is repeated continuously throughout the entire length of yarn produced. As previously explained, thirty of such timing devices 51 are provided in the preferred embodiment so as to permit the selection of any one of an unlimited variety of slub patterns.

In carrying out the novel operation of the invention, after the particular slub pattern has been determined, each of the timing devices 51 employed in the sequence is preset by means of its operating knob 63 (Figure 6) so as to position its indicator 64 to the particular time cycle desired. As has been explained, this time cycle is of a duration relative to the speed of the roving 18 so as to produce a thin portion of yarn at each end of which a slub will be introduced. When each timing device 51 is set for ltiming such as timing device 51a, its switch 61a is in the position shown in Figure 3, closing the circuit in the timing device to the timer motor 59g and partially closing the circuit in the timing device through 'the lead wire 70 which `still remains in the interrupted condition due to the normally open switch 62a. yAt this time, lthe normally closed contacts 89 of the recycle relay 87 are in the closed position as shown in Figure 3, as lead wire 71d is disconnected from the circuit.

When the line switches 57 are closed, power is supplied to the control device 51a to energize both the coil @58a and `the timer motor 59a through line 68 and common line 69, closing switch 62a, and the time cycle is initiated. At this time, just prior to the closingof switch 462a in device Sla, the advance relay 76 is de-energized due to the open position of switch 62a so that the normahly closed contacts 78 permit the energization of the slub time delay relay 79 through its lead wires 81, 82, connected to power conductors 54, 56, respectively. Immediately upon energization of the time delay relay 79, its normally open contacts 83 close to energize the solenoid 48 through its lead wires 83, 86, also connected as described above, to the power conductors 54, 56, respectively.

However, upon energizat-ion of timing device 51a, the switch 62a subsequently closes as shown in Figure 4, to energize the advance relay 76 so that its contacts 78 open, cle-energizing `the time delay relay 79, and permitting its contacts 83 to open. As a result of the adjustable time setting on the time delay relay 79, its contacts 83 are maintained in the closed position for a predetermined length of time to maintain the solenoid 48 in the energized condition.. As previously explained, the energization of the solenoid 48 results in an upward movement of its armature carrying with it connecting rod 47.

As connecting rod 47 moves upward, rod 42 (Figures 1, 2) is thus rotated in a clockwise direction through the connecting link 46. As a result of the rotation of rod 42, yoke lever 41 is pivoted to move clutch disc 38 into driven engagement with clutch disc 37, speeding up the back roll shaft 12 and injecting a slub within the roving 18. As can be understood, this injected slub is of a `length which is established by the time setting on relay 79 which determines, through the period of energization of the solenoid 48, the length of time the clutch discs 37, 38 remain in engagement. At the completion of the period determined by the time setting on relay 79, the contacts 83 open and the clutch discs move back to Ithe position of Figure l under the action of spring 33.

It can be seen that this rotation of yoke lever 41 by rod 42 is accompanied by a simultaneous movement of .yoke lever31 and rotation of rod 32 as a result of the contact or" lug 43 by screw 44 so that disengagement of the clutch discs 27, 28 always takes place prior to engagement of the clutch discs 37, 38. Furthermore, it can also be seen that switch 61a remains closed and power is maintained on the advance relay 76 during the running of the time cycle but the slub length is oontrolled by the setting on the time delay relay 79. After injection of the slub and re-engagement of clutch discs 27, 2S, roving 18 then moves in its thin or smaller diameter condition through the apparatus of Figure l for a predetermined length of time determined by the time cycle of the timing device 51a. After the closing of switch 62a and during the running of the time cycle, the components of timing device 51a remain in the position shown in 4Figure 4.

At the end of the time cycle of device 51a, the timer motor 59a acts to move switch 61a `to the position shown in Figure 5 so that the circuit tothe advance relay 76 through lead wire 70 is once again interrupted and another slub is formed in the roving 18 in the manner ldescribed above.

When theswitch 61a is moved into the position of Figure `5, a 'circuit is completed from power'con'ductor 54 through lead wire 71a to the next successive timing device 51b, the other side of which is connected as in timing device 51a to the common line 69, so that a circuit is completed through coil SSb and timer motor 59b to the power conductor 56. Therefore, immediately following the injection of a slub in the roving at the end of the time cycle in timing device 51a, the coil 5811 and timer motor 59b of timing device 51b are energized so that its time cycle begins yand switch 62b is quickly closed to once again energize the advance time relay 76 and lopen the circuit to the time delay relay 79 through the normally closed contacts 78.

In a manner similar to the above-described action of switch 61a, switch 61b on timing device 51b moves into the position of Figure 5 at the completion of the predetermined time cycle of the device 51b for energizing the next successive timer and this action is carried out sequentially throughout the entire group of timing devices 51 which have been selected for producing the desired pattern. Thus, slubs are introduced into the roving 18 as each timing device 51 .is energized in the abovedescrbed manner until the final timing device, which may be device 51d, is timed out. It should be understood that a completed circuit back to power conductor 54 is obtained through the lead wires 71 of the previously operated timed out timing devices 51 as all of the switches 6i are in the position of switch 61a of Figure 5.

When the iinal timing devfce 51d has completed its time cycle, switch 6id moves into the position of switch Gla in Figure 5 to energize the recycle relay 87 through lead wire 71d and lead wire 88 connected as shown to power conductor 56. When the recycle relay 87 is energized, its contacts 89 open to remove power from all of the timing devices 51, permitting each device to automatically reset and move all of the switches 61, 62 to the position of the switches 61a, 62a i-n device 51a shown in Figure 3. The time delay setting on relay 87 is utilized to maintain the devices S1 in a de-energized condition for a predetermined length of time so that suiiicient time is given for the resetting components of the timing devices to operate. As is well known, in timing devices such as device 51 shown in Figure 6, the moving indicator 67 is moved into coincidence with the indicator 64 at the completion of this resetting operation.

Although all of the timing devices 51 included with the apparatus shown in Figure l may be employed to obtain a predetermined slub pattern in the processed yarn, it may 'be desirable to use less than the total number of devices available. A maximum number of timers have been provided, which as previously discussed, 'are thirty in number so as to provide the widest possible choice of slub pattern formed with the control system of the invention.

When a smaller number of devices S1 than those provided are to be used, any one or more of the timing devices may be inactivated or withdrawn from the control systern. In the event a timing device breaks down or otherwise becomes defective, it is desirable to disconnect this timing device from the system. In another situation, only twenty of the thirty devices may be required for a particular sequence and the Ilast ten devices must, therefore, be disconnected from the system. For instance, as shown in Figure 3, in a particular operation it may be necessary to eliminate timing device 51C from the system. This is accomplished by rotating the operating knob 63 of the timing device of Figure 6 so as to place the device 51e in an inoperative condition as permitted by the construction of the'particular timer referred to above. At this time, switch 61e moves to the position shown in Figure 3 and switch 62C is in the open position since coil 61C is de-energized. Switch 62C will close when timing device 51C is bypassed in the sequential operation of 1Kthe system `due `to 'the `energizaticin Vlof 58e, butiwill have no effect on the system" due to the position of switch 61C. Therefore, when the timing device preceding device Sic completes its time cycle and moves its switch 61 to the position of switch 61a in Figure 5, the position of switch 61C results in the circuit being completed directly through lead wire 71e and the operative device 51d is energized in the manner described above.

It will also be noted that the recycle relay 87 will always remain in the circuit and will become energized at the timing out of the final timing device in the sequence even though one or more of the devices may be inoperative as a complete circuit is always available through the lead wires 71 on each side of the inoperative devices.

Through the novel construction of the invention, a timing control system has been provided which is characterized by a high degree of versatility and accuracy in that an unlimited variety of novelty yarn patterns may be obtained in a simple and easy manner. Commercially available timing devices may be employed with this invention which give the high degree of accurate timing and positive response required for such an operation. Furthermore, any selected number of these timing devices from the total number provided may be used in accordance with the desired pattern formation without Wiringk changes or other modicationsand the time cycle settings may be readily calculated `and easily set by a relatively unskilled operator.

Many changes may be made in the components of the control system used to transmit the signal from each timing device to the operating solenoid, but it has been found through experimentation that the particular embodiment illustrated gives the most satisfactory performance. Furthermore, the use of a time delay relay permits the slub length to be readily adjusted to any desired length and gives a more flexible timing control system. If desired, the system may be easily modified to inject thin portions rather than slubs into the yarn or, in other words, increase the draft periodically rather than a draft decrease as taught by the above description. lt should be understood that the control system of the invention may be employed to control many other types of apparatus such as an automatic loom, automatic knitl ting machine, or the like.

While there has been described what at present is considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without ldeparting from the i-nvention and, therefore, it is the aim of the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

. Having thus described the invention, what is claimed 1s:

l. A timing control system comprising, in combination, a source of power, a plurality of timing devices arranged to operate in a sequence, timing means in each of said timing devices for providing a predetermined time cycle, electrically operated means, means for connecting each of said timing devices to said electrically operated means, switch means in each of said timing devices, means for connecting one of said timing devices to said source of power and energizing its timing means to begin said sequential operation, said switch means being arranged to energize the timing means in the next successive timing device in said sequence and actuate said electrically operated means at the completion of the time cycle in each of said timing devices and a recycle relay connected to and operated by the last time device in the sequence for automatically disconnecting all of said timing devices when said sequence is completed and continuously repeating the sequential operation of said timing devices.

2. A timing control system in accordance with claim l 10" wherein eachY of said timing devices is independently adjustable to provide said predetermined time cycle.

3. A timing control system in accordance with claim l including means in said system for maintaining said electrically operated means in actuated condition for a predetermined period of time.

.4. A timing control system comprising, in combination, a source of power, a plurality of timing devices arranged to operate in a sequence, an automatically resettable timer in each of said timing devices for providing a predetermined time cycle, electromagnetic means, means for connecting each of said timing devices to said electromagnetic means, switch means in each of said timing devices movable to a first position for operatively conditioning said timing devices, means including a normally de-energized recycle relay for connecting one of said timing devices to said source of power and energizing its timer through said switch means to begin said sequential operation, said timer arranged to move said Switch means to a second position at the completion of its time cycle to energize the timer in the next successive timing device of said sequence and actuate said electromagnetic means, and means for energizing said recycle relay when said sequence is completed to permit all of said timers to reset and continuously repeat the sequential operation of said control devices.

5. A timing control system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said switch means includes a normally open switch for connecting said electromagnetic means to said source of power, and means in said timing device for closing said switch when said control device is connected to said source of power.

6. A timing control system comprising, in combination, a source of power, a plurality of timing devices arranged to operate in a sequence, timing means in each of said timing devices for providing a predetermined time cycle, electrically operated means, means for connecting each of said timing devices to said electrically operated means including a time delay relay, switch means in each of said timing devices, means including recycle relay means for connecting one of said timing devices to said source of power and energizing its timing means to begin said sequential operation, said switch means being arranged to energize the timing means in the next successive timing device in said sequence and actuate said electrically operated means through said time delay relay at the completion of the time cycle in said timing device, said recycle relay means being arranged to momentarily disconnect all of said timing devices when said sequence is completed and continuously repeat the sequentialv operation of said timing devices.

7. A timing control system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said time delay relay is adjustable for maintaining said electrically operated means in the actuated condition fora predetermined length of time.

8. A timing control system comprising, in combina tion, a source of power, a plurality of timing devices arranged to be operated in a sequence, an automatically resetting timer in each of said `timing devices for providing a predetermined time cycle, a recycle relay in said system, a pair of normally closed contacts operatively associated withsaid relay, a solenoid, means for connecting eachof said timing `devices to said solenoid including an advance relay, a time delay relay, a normally closed contact on said advance relay for connecting said time delay relay to said source of power, a normally open contact on said time delay relay for connecting said solenoid to said source of power, a first switch in each of said timing devices movable to a first position for operatively conditioning said timing device, a normally open second switch in each of said timing devices, a coil in each of said timing devices for closing said normally open second switch, means including said normally closed contacts on said recycle relay for energizing one of said timing devices from said source of power and simultaneously energizing its coil and its timer through 'said rst switch means to begin said sequential operation, said timer arranged to move said irst switch to a second position at the vcompletion of its time cycle to energize the timer in the next successive timing device of said sequence and simultaneously de-energize said advance relay whereby said time delay relay is energized to connect said solenoid to said source of power for a predetermined length of time, said coil on said adjacent timing device being simultaneously energized with said timing means to move said second switch to the closed position and energize said advance relay, and said recycle relay being arranged to momentarily open its normally closed contacts and disconnect all of said timing devices when said sequence is completed to continuously repeat the sequential operation of said control devices.

9. Apparatus for the production of novelty yarn comprising, in combination, a plurality of timing devices arranged for sequential operation, electrically operated means connected to all of said timing devices, means in each of said timing devices for providing a predetermined time cycle, means for energizing said timing devices sequentially while passing through the predetermined time cycle on each timing device, a recycle relay connected to and o-perated by the last time device in the sequence for automatically disconnecting all of said timing devices when said sequence is completed and continuously repeating the sequential operation of said timing devices, means for continuously spinning yarn, means for controlling the draft of said yarn, means for operatively connecting said electrically operated means to said yarn draft controlling means, and means for actuating said electrically operated means as each successive timing device in said sequence is energized whereby slubs spaced in accordance with said time cycles are introduced into said yarn.

10. Apparatus for the production of novelty yarn comprising, in combination, a source of power, a plurality of timing devices arranged to be operated in a sequence, timing means in each of said timing devices for providing a predetermined time cycle, electrically operated means, means for electrically connecting each of said timing devices to said electrically operated means, means for continuously spinning yarn, means for controlling the draft of said yarn, means for operatively connecting said electrically operated means to said yarn draft controlling means, switch means in each of said timing devices, means including recycle relay means for connecting one of said timing devices to said source of power and energizing its timing means to begin said sequential operation, said switch means being arranged to energize the timing means in the next successive timing device in said sequence and actuate said electrically operated means at the completion of the time cycle in said timing `device to change said yarn draft controlling means whereby slubs spaced in accordance with said time cycles are introduced into said yarn, said recycle relay means being arranged to momentarily disconnect all of said timing devices when said sequence is completed and continuously repeat said sequential operation.

11. Apparatus for the production of novelty yarn in Eaccordance with claim wherein said means for connecting each of said timing devices to said electrically operated means includes an adjustable time delay relay for forming slubs of a predetermined length in said yarn.

12. A timing control system comprising, in combination, a source of power, a plurality of timing devices arranged to operate in sequence, timing means in each of said timing devices for providing a predetermined time cycle, electrically operated means, means for connecting each of said timing devices to said electrically operated means, switch means in each of said timing devices, means including recycle relay means for connecting one of said timing devices to said source of said power and energizing its timing means to begin said sequential operation, said switch means being arranged to energize the timing means in the next successive timing device in said sequence and actuate said electrically operated means at the completion of the time cycle in said timing device, said Irecycle relay means being responsive to the operation of the last time device in the sequence for automatically disconnecting all of said timing devices when said sequence is completed and continuously repeating the sequential operation of said timing devices, each of said timing devices automatically resetting to its predetermined time cycle when said timing devices are disconnected from said source of power by said recycle relay means.

13. A timing control system comprising, in combination, a source of power, a plurality of timing devices arranged to operate in a sequence, means in each of said timing devices to remove said device from said operating sequence, timing means in each of said timing devices for providing a predetermined time cycle, electrically operated means, means for connecting each of said timing devices to said electrically operated means, switch means in each of said timing devices, means including recycle relay means for connecting one of said timing devices to said source of power and energizing its timing means to begin said sequential operation, said switch means being arranged to energize the timing means in the next successive timing device in said sequence and actuate said electrically operated means at the completion of the time cycle in said timing device, said recycle relay means being responsive to the operation of the last time device in the sequence for automatically disconnecting all of said timing ydevices when said sequence is completed and continuously repeating the sequential operation of said timing devices.

14. A timing control system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said electrically operated means include a solenoid, an armature operatively associated with said solenoid, said armature being arranged to transmit an operating force when said solenoid is energized.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,516,646 Roseby Nov, 25, 1924 2,473,683 Hines June 21, 1949 2,595,220 Anderson May 6, 1952 2,612,743 Strother Get. 7, 1952 2,638,731 Klein May 19, 1953 2,878,636 Hicks et al Mar. 24, '1959 2,895,088 Koenig July 14, 1959 

